08/11/2026
Good afternoon neighbors,
Since our last city council meeting on 7/23, I’ve been out of town, catching up at the office, and preparing my kids to return to school. We have another meeting this week, so expect more frequent updates than usual for August and September.
1. The COG legislative agenda was introduced. I really only had broad requests to consider. After campaigning on harvesting better relationships with our critical external partners, especially those above us in authority, I asked to tread lightly on any items seen as in opposition to Austin’s priorities. Additionally, there can be no problems we present for Galveston without proposed specific solutions. I also suggested we may need to spend more time in Austin, specifically in between sessions. In my experience, relationships prove to be more valuable than policy debates and arguments. With better relationships, I am convinced some policy and operational conflicts can be avoided.
2. We received our first official city council FY27 budget presentation. It was a good start, as the no new revenue rate, which I support as a ceiling, was the primary focus on our discussion. I look forward to seeing the firmer property tax roll on Thursday.
3. The City’s Annual Pavement Evaluation Report was provided. My bottom line interpretation is improvements have been made, and we rely heavily on data driven analysis to determine mobilization. However, I also have concerns. First, I do not know how we will ever catch up without outsourcing more. Second, outlier events (such as storm and subsequent erosion) may not be appropriately considered by software analytics, and a lack of mobilization early could create much more expensive projects over time. I believe these two additional considerations could improve the program.
4. An update was provided on the South Shore Drainage Project. I believe both Mayor Listowski and Councilman Porretto are working closely with the District 4 residents, City Administration, and the Texas General Land Office to reach the best possible result by the deadline at the end of January 2027. I continuously formulate my detailed opinions on this experience. I am sure my opinions will fluctuate as time moves forward, too. Right now, however, I am focused on supporting the project’s success for a variety of reasons, as there is more capital and partnerships on the cusp than there may have ever been before, no hyperbole.
5. Since Beach Access 17 has been identified to be completely on Galveston Island State Park property, the state park will assume control. I am always pleased when jurisdictional ambiguities are cleared up. This was approved unanimously.
6. The only vote that had any dissent was an ordinance change allowing the booting of repeat parking violators. In my experience, as someone who parks downtown nearly daily, I am very well aware of the rules and the availability. Sometimes I park a block and a half away from my office with no fees or time limits. Sometimes I park in two hour parking a half block away from my office. Sometimes I pay to park directly in front of my office. It all basically depends on the weather and my schedule. At times I have innocently forgotten to extend my parking or move my truck. However, there have also been three times or more I have been ticketed even though I was compliant. When this inconsistent/inaccurate enforcement leads to a $30 fine (including days when the courthouse is closed and no one picks up the phone when you immediately call to protest), that may just be seen as a loss or cost of doing business expense. However, if it could result in incapacitating my vehicle, losing my mobility, and making me late to an obligation, that is a completely different matter. Until our parking enforcement is improved, I cannot support this. Additionally, this will likely only be punitive to residents, as most tourists are unlikely to be ticketed three or more times. Overall, I would prefer to see many our marshals focus on other things. I voted against this ordinance, but it passed, 6-1.
7. The City Auditor reviewed the properties on the island that the City’s Parks Department maintains. This includes properties owned by the City, as well as properties not owned by the City. I found it very interesting. I do not know what the solution is yet but am concerned, overall, we are once again stretched too thin. I think this will be an ongoing topic. In the meantime, the report was accepted 7-0, so there is that.
8. A gift was accepted from Project Rosenberg for landscaping at the “Dr. Nancy Lefeber Hughes Community Green Space.” On behalf of City Council, we are grateful for this gift. The gift was accepted with a unanimous vote, but perhaps the greater value was naming the park after Dr. Nancy Hughes. I am very happy for the Hughes family and the countless friends of Dr. Hughes, as well as the incredible list of patients she impacted. (I questioned why it could not just be a “Park” instead of a “Community Green Space,” but that was the only part of the name I questioned, never the “Dr. Nancy Lefeber Hughes” part.)
9. A grant of $2,000,000 was unanimously accepted from the EPA for the necessary cleanup at Shield Park, essential for its proper redevelopment. Thank you to Vision Galveston for all the help as collaborators to ensure this work continues without further delays.
10. City Council approved a new Fund Balance Policy unanimously. This will primarily affect the Central Services Fund and Central Garage Fund. Essentially, these reserve policies will be changed from a flat dollar amount over a five year period to a percentage of the cost of operations. I think this is a good change.
11. An actuarial contract was approved unanimously to continue an assessment of our long term pension obligation viability. Of all the tedious agenda items, this one may be at the top of the list. However, pensions are extraordinarily expensive for taxpayers, so much so that pension responsibilities are rare for city’s the size of Galveston. I think it is money well spent to fully understand what our options are as it relates to our pension obligations. This contract is to assess the civilian pension’s current obligations into the future. Without an actuarial assessment, it is mostly guesswork.
12. City Council unanimously approved a search firm to fill our City Attorney position. This is only one of four positions at City Hall who reports directly to City Council. I am very interested in seeing the results of this executive search. There is also an option to expand the contract to include a search for a City Engineer. I hate to be redundant, but I remain a fan of outsourcing, particularly for executive positions.
13. A building permit was requested by AT&T to replace existing cellular equipment on the Isla Del Sol elevated storage tank. I appreciate AT&T’s consideration and investment in the West End’s communications utilities and hope it leads to noticeable improvement. This was approved unanimously.
14. I am very grateful for the Cultural Arts Department’s efforts to secure a grant from the Houston Endowment. It is monumental, no pun intended, to receive a grant from a world renowned organization. It will help the department officially inventory the monuments and cultural assets within city limits, and then develop a plan to properly and viably maintain the many monuments and cultural assets. Regardless of how and when these gifts and donations arrived, I believe we owe it to our Galvestonian forefathers to maintain the intended legacies. This grant was accepted unanimously.
15. On a related note, a line item in proposed expenses was unanimously approved to develop the complete restoration costs of the Kempner Fountain, which will ultimately be funded by the Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund. I am supportive of all efforts to establish Kempner Park as a premiere historical and cultural urban park destination for both residents and visitors. It reminds me of Savannah’s parks and squares. I believe it needs additional attention as well, but renovating the fountain is a great start.
I will always post these updates eventually, because I want them to be thoughtful and thorough. Our next meeting is 8/13, then again 8/27.
Your friend,
Jason Hardcastle
